For Rafael, the 2024 school year didn’t start the way he had hoped. He was sick for about two weeks in September and that short time away from class was enough to put him behind—especially in math.
“At the start of the year, I literally didn’t know what I was doing,” he said. “I needed to use an extra 15 minutes of class every test.”
Like many students, he found that catching up wasn’t easy. Each new lesson built on the last, and missing even a few key concepts early on made everything else feel harder. It became stressful to walk into a test or quiz without feeling fully prepared.
That all changed when he started receiving extra academic support through All In for Youth’s Tutoring Table program. Offered through United Way’s All In for Youth initiative, the Tutoring Table program provides free hands-on academic support, helping students succeed in the classroom and develop a lifelong passion for learning. Offered at all YMCA Calgary locations, Greater Forest Lawn Library, Crescent Heights High School, Country Hills Library, The Career & Technology Centre and online via Zoom, YMCA volunteers serve as tutors, mentors and role models, often sharing career advice, personal experience and knowledge. In the 2024-25 school year alone, more than 850 students accessed tutoring support.
With the help of extra instruction, a structured environment and encouragement from people who believed in him, Rafael began to rebuild his confidence—and his momentum.
“Now, I’m way more confident going into tests,” he said. “I’ve noticed all the time I used to waste throughout the day. Now I think, how can I use it to study and not feel anxious?”
Rafael says he’s even finishing tests faster than before—but he still takes time to double-check his work.
“It never hurts to use the extra 15 minutes to make sure I’ve done everything right,” he said with a smile.
Academic support has helped Rafael shift from surviving to thriving. Now, instead of dreading schoolwork, he’s thinking ahead.
Imperial investment setting a table for science success
Thanks to a new three-year investment, Imperial is helping to expand the tutoring table program, helping create a dedicated science tutoring stream and directly supporting students in their journey towards academic achievement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). This investment is on top of Imperial’s generous support of United Way’s Community Impact Fund, supporting the programs, partnerships and initiatives that improve the lives of thousands of people every year. This addition means even more young people will have the opportunity to build confidence in areas that often pose challenges, especially as coursework becomes more advanced.
“Imperial is excited to see the official expansion of the Tutoring Table program into science, supported by our investment,” says Rebecca Holding, commercial manager and chair of Imperial’s United Way campaign. “We believe that by supporting programming that inspires and prepares youth to pursue STEM careers, we are opening the door to the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.”
“STEM education is vital to building a skilled workforce,” says Monique Blough, Director, Children & Youth Strategies at United Way. “Adding science to the Tutoring Table program means we’ll be able to reach even more youth, breaking down barriers that might prevent students from pursuing careers in STEM fields, and giving them the confidence they need to succeed.”
Whether it’s breaking down complex concepts or reinforcing classroom learning, this expanded support will help students like Rafael—and his peers—stay on track and reach their full potential.
Rafael’s story is just one example of how small, timely interventions—like a tutoring session or check-in—can have a big impact. What started as a difficult beginning turned into a year of growth, self-awareness and new habits that will carry him forward.
When you give to United Way, you’re giving youth like Rafael the tools they need to succeed and helping build a stronger Calgary – now and into the future.
At United Way, we see the need – together we can meet it.